KSA tops global education spending with SR 204 billion budget for 2013

Feb. 17, 2013 - PRLog -- 17 February 2013 – Epson has announced that it will be showcasing its latest products and innovations in education technology during its participation as Gold Sponsor at the 3rd International Exhibition and Forum for Education (IEFE), which will run from February 18 to 22, 2013, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. Epson has been aggressively developing education-focused technology solutions to satisfy a rapidly growing international demand, particularly in KSA where a SR 204 billion[1] budget has been allocated for educational expenditure in 2013 making the Kingdom the world’s leader in education spending.

Headlining the Epson showcase at IEFE 2013 are the exclusive range of interactive projectors (EB-475Wi and EB-485Wi) and the new EB-1410W ultra-short throw projectors, as well as the DiscProducer PP-100. Also lined up for the exhibition are the Epson Workforce printers WP-4525 DNF and the latest Epson scanners DS-6500 and DS70000. Epson will also be demonstrating the key features of its new Ink Tank Solution (ITS) range, which features integrated ultra-high-capacity ink tank to help manage printing costs, and the SureColor Large format printer SC-T7000, which is the ideal solution for applications where speed and economy are paramount.

Khalil El-Dalu, General Manager, Epson Middle East, said: “Education has always been a top priority of governments in the Middle East, particularly in KSA where the average education expenditure is equivalent to 10 per cent of GDP, the highest in the world. In 2013 alone, the Kingdom has allocated a funding of SR 204 billion for the education sector, which clearly reflects the strong focus on education as a cornerstone of KSA’s long-term strategic growth plans. Having long recognised the importance of education in KSA and across the region, Epson has consistently developed and introduced innovative technology solutions that help enhance the delivery of education and the quality of learning. Epson has likewise partnered with numerous academic institutions in KSA and across the region to develop personalised solutions that match different classroom settings and learning environment. The upcoming International Exhibition and Forum for Education in Riyadh certainly serves as an excellent platform to showcase Epson’s latest innovations that are helping improve the delivery of education around the region.”

Epson’s interactive EB-485Wi and EB-475Wi projectors feature two interactive pens. They allow teachers and students to write on the screen at the same time, making collaborative work easier. These lightweight pens are very responsive and easy to use, thanks to the new ‘hover’ function that accurately detects when they are not in contact with the projection surface. In addition to working with popular computer software, these projectors have a PC-free functionality and ‘instant annotation’ tool. Teachers can make any flat surface interactive without being connected to a PC and can even annotate moving images and photos when linked up to a DVD player. The projectors can be mounted in four positions, including under glass-top tables, to offer greater interactive options for engaging group work.

Organised under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Education, IEFE 2013 will gather senior level decision makers, key industry education providers and stakeholders from around the world. The event will adopt the theme “Educational Evaluation Approach & Techniques” and will focus on promoting excellence, quality, performance improvement, deploying innovative solutions, new investment and international partnerships in the education sector.